Flo Rida talks charity, Frank Ocean and haters

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Fresh off his fourth album Wild Ones, theGrio recently caught with hip-house artist Flo Rida. In a penthouse on New York’s Lower Eastside, the “Get Low” rapper chopped it up with us, discussing his sound, his early detractors, and his thoughts on Frank Ocean coming out. Check out what the Miami MC had to say below.

You recently took the stage for The Today Show‘s summer concert series. How was that as an experience?

Oh man you know I’ve been on The Today Show prior to the last time, but you know I definitely anticipated it because you know they always show me a lot of love. You know a lot of the fans came out there and I just wanted to show them you what a new album would bring as far as me getting on stage you and everything. So I’ve turned it up a notch and the more fans you get, the more inspiration you get so definitely had a great time out there.

Is your music colorblind?

Definitely, definitely colorblind and you know far as me picking or choosing producers or working with artists it’s the same way. I feel like it gives you a chance to grow more and expand. You know you are not caught up into one particular thing.

 Is there one or two differences that separates your fans in the states from those abroad? Is there a different energy level?

I mean it depends .I mean if I do a show here, those people who love me are going to come out so you really can’t tell the difference really, but a lot of similarities. People leave saying man I’m a fan. I feel like as far as here in the U.S. I definitely want to inspire people to make more music that has a world wide appeal. It’s a history lesson really in itself too because I’ve been to a lot of places that I wasn’t familiar with. You know you read about certain things in books, but when you get a chance to go over there and be one on one with it, it just helps your mind grow. You know going to France and visiting the L’ourve  and everything. Just different artwork. Most hip-hop artists are fans of jewels ,but  you go in there and you jewels that are priceless.

It seems more and more rappers are mixing their music with a dance or dubstep element. Do you think your music had a play in that?

Most definitely.  You know shout out to all the different producers and everything like that. It’s all about not sticking yourself in one box but at the same time still showing your roots. Guys like OutKast always been a fan of them, they always go against the grain and have fun with music.  That’s always what I wanted to do, just have fun and if the fans appreciate it then it’s a plus. I’m just excited to the point where I have nothing but room to grow.

Your newest single is with Rihanna. What made you want to reach out to her?

Well actually Rihanna is just a person when you observe her she just lives life to the fullest and she don’t step on anyone toes and she is just accepted for being herself. When you be yourself, you’re excited. You know definitely my hats go off to her because she is a hot commodity when it comes down to her music. I’m a big fan.

You recently got involved with a breast cancer charity (Think Pink). What made you want to hang your hat on this particular cause?

That’s with anything. If I can help out with anything or be a part of it as long as its positive you know so the first time I got the call I definitely didn’t turn it down. It’s been great working with the team. You know Think Pink and everything so you know I am always going to try and do something positive you know with the gift God has blessed me with.

Recently R&B singer Frank Ocean came out about his sexuality. If the opportunity came to work with him would you be down?

I definitely wouldn’t mind collaborating if the opportunity came.. They’re would be certain things that we both wouldn’t be able to rap or sing about but if we were able to get together on a track it’d be dope.

For more music news, follow Kyle Harvey on Twitter @HarveyWins.